. >> yet president obama has struggled since he made history. he still aspires to achieve political consensus on some of the country's most pressing challenges. mandela also faced obstacles. while obama only met the south african leader once, president obama clearly understands the meaning of mandela. i was in college when mandela was freed from prison. in 1990 i traveled to oakland to see him during his visit to the u.s. on a victory tour, of sorts. he thanked the tens of thousands gathered in the oakland sun for his support and toppling the white racist regime. his pure joy talking to the crowd is what i will always remember. i welcome this moment to pay tribute to nelson mandela as a figure who can inspire human beings to be better people. he exuded patience, principal as well as grace as a person. even after so much had been taken from him, he kept his heart open and changed the world. up next here, more on mandela and his relationship with the u.s. with our political roundtable after this short break. relationship with the u.s. with our pol